The name of the cafe in Turkish is "Kubbe-i Aşk". "Kubbe-i Aşk" means "Dome of Love". When I first heard that name, I was impressed and started to be curious about the place. The cafe has a pleasant and authentic ambient. It is not a stylish and influential place, but it is situated in the very old, historical Suleymaniye area and has an amazing view.
The Suleymaniye neighborhood founded around 16th century during Ottoman Empire times. Its name comes from the Great Suleyman which is one of the most popular sultans of the Ottoman Empire. The famous Suleymaniye Mosque, which is almost 500 years old, is located in this area.
Mostly we go in wintertime to see Istanbul under a white snowy cover. Generally salep (traditional hot drink) or tea accompany our visit. But there also snacks, foods and desert alternatives. Also, if you are a fan of waterpipe (nargile in Turkish), it would be a good place to try.
Find your way with 237 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The "Pera Museum" is for you if you're into art from the life of Istanbul and the Ottoman world between the 17th and early 20th century...
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"The Shoe-shine boys" is a very typical Istanbul sight. Having your shoes painted and polished is a nice experience, just be careful who does it for you!
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The "Fenerbahçe Steamboat" has carried passengers across Istanbul's Bosphorus over 55 years. Now you can see this historical ship in Rahmi Koc Museum.
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"Holy Fragrance" sellers sit just outside mosques and provide refreshing perfumes. I would recommend the ones in Istanbul's Beyazit and Yeni mosques.
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"Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant" is one of the restaurants that serve haricot beans just outside Suleymaniye in Istanbul. Great service, worth the money...
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The "Tortoise Trainer" is one of my favorite paintings to be found in Istanbul. You can see it in the contemporary/orientalist Istanbul Pera museum.
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"Grand Bazaar" is my place to buy the best Istanbul souvenir: round, fat evil eyes! Just don't forget to bargain...
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"Udonya" is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Istanbul. I can recommend it when you feel you've had enough of Turkish cuisine!
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"Kontraplak" is a 'clean' Istanbul record shop, especially for its selection of second-hand vinyl. The owner, Okan, is very open-minded and will help you...
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The Istanbul "Naval Museum" is one of the best museums in Turkey - no, I think it's one of the world's most exceptional, and we're lucky to have it.
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The Istanbul "Archaeology Museum" is just huge. As someone who always visits these museums, these ones (there's actually three!) are a must.
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237 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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